Chile

At a Glance

Capital

Santiago

Language

Spanish

Population

17,789,267 (July 2017 est.)

GDP Total

$451.1 billion (2017 est.)

GDP Per Capita

$24,500 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities that you will be conducting during your time in Chile. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Chile may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings

Attend conferences

Develop professional business contacts

Negotiate contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Chile?

Most nationals from the European Union, MERCOSUR, Canada, the United States and many other countries are eligible for a visa waiver and do not require a visa to enter Chile to conduct business activities. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Tourist Visa from a Chilean Embassy or consulate prior to travel.

Working in Chile

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute as work under Chilean law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Chile, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work

Repairs and maintenance

Project planning and implementation

Marketing

Auditing

If I am traveling to Chile for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on the nature and duration of your work, on your salary and on whether your employer has an entity in Chile. The most common Chilean work permits are:

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Chile. However, citizens of MERCOSUR member countries and other nationals from countries that are visa exempt are eligible to enter Chile without a visa and apply for work authorization. MERCOSUR nationals

do not require employer sponsorship and generally benefit from abbreviated processing times.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.